Ian Brown

Ian Brown’s journey is a story of resilience and reinvention. At the College of the Holy Cross, he was a dedicated varsity football player, pouring his heart into the sport he loved. But during his sophomore year, a career-ending injury abruptly changed his path. While this was a tough blow, it also became a turning point that redirected his passion for sports into the world of business and strategy.

Determined not to let the setback define him, Ian shifted his focus and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus on International Relations, graduating in 2019. During his college years, he began working as an analyst at Denham Capital in Boston from July 2016 to January 2019. There, he dove into the world of oil and gas investments, sharpening his skills in financial modeling, market research, and strategic decision-making.

After graduation, Ian moved to Los Angeles and joined Perimeter 81 as a Corporate Sales Executive for the West Coast region from April 2020 to October 2021. He consistently exceeded sales targets and developed a knack for building strong client relationships. His expertise in CRM management and data analytics helped steer strategic initiatives that benefited both the company and its clients.

His love for sports never faded, leading him to work with UCLA Basketball as the Women’s Basketball Director of NIL & Branding from November 2021 to February 2023. In that role, Ian was instrumental in negotiating over $450,000 in partnership deals and boosting the team’s social media following by 30%. He found it incredibly rewarding to help athletes enhance their personal brands and seize new professional opportunities.

In October 2021, Ian founded ACIB Management Group, where he now serves as the Sales Director. At ACIB, he’s all about helping professional and collegiate athletes shine—whether it’s through marketing, digital PR, client management, or business development. He’s proud to have orchestrated over 100 Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, generating more than $1.5 million in revenue for his clients. Building the company from the ground up, he handles everything from infrastructure and hiring to financials and legal matters.

Most recently, Ian has been sharing his experiences as an Adjunct Professor of Negotiation & Economics at Concordia University Irvine since April 2024. He enjoys bringing real-world case studies into the classroom to help students grasp the economic impacts and strategic challenges in college sports. His goal is to equip them with practical negotiation skills they can use in their future careers.

Throughout his journey, Ian has developed a strong set of skills:

Lead Generation
Business Development
CRM Management and Development
Strategic Negotiation Techniques
Team Leadership and Development
Even though his own athletic career ended sooner than he had hoped, Ian’s passion for sports continues to inspire his work every day. He’s always on the lookout for new challenges and ways to make a positive impact at the intersection of sports and business. His story is a testament to turning obstacles into opportunities and making the most out of unexpected life changes.